Test your knowledge of one of the most groundbreaking musicals in Broadway history—Pippin. How well do you know the unique journey of Prince Pippin and the influence of Bob Fosse's iconic choreography? From its memorable characters to its innovative storytelling techniques, this musical has captivated audiences for decades. Dive into these trivia facts and learn fascinating behind-the-scenes details about Pippin's enduring legacy on stage.
Adaptations
- In 2003, Miramax acquired the film rights for 'Pippin', with plans announced in 2013 for adaptation by The Weinstein Company, though rights reverted to original composer Stephen Schwartz in 2018 due to the company's bankruptcy.
International Productions
- The Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester adopted a scaled-down version of 'Pippin' in 2017 to focus more intensively on the story, which was then transferred to the Southwark Playhouse in London.
- A Japanese-language production of 'Pippin', led by Diane Paulus, opened in Tokyo in 2019, featuring well-known Japanese and international artists.
- A Spanish-language version of 'Pippin' debuted in Caracas, Venezuela in 2013, expanding the musical's global audience.
- The original Australian production of 'Pippin' in 1974 featured John Farnham as Pippin and reached 60th on the Australian charts with its cast album according to the Kent Music Report.
- In response to the global coronavirus pandemic, 'Pippin' was the first major musical to open in Australia in November 2020, following an 8-month suspension of theatrical performances.
- The 1981 Canadian television version of 'Pippin' featured Ben Vereen reprising his role as the Leading Player and was directed by Bob Fosse's dance captain, Kathryn Doby.
Musical Composition
- The existential crisis and thematic cycle in 'Pippin' are highlighted in the last scene, where Theo sings 'Corner of the Sky,' showing a cycle that implies he will replace Pippin among the Players.
- Pippin is a 1972 musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, notable for its imaginative integration of a performance troupe led by the mysterious Leading Player.
- Bob Fosse's original vision for 'Pippin' included songs that were later replaced before the Broadway opening, notably swapping 'Marking Time' and 'Just Between the Two of Us' for 'Extraordinary' and 'Love Song'.
- Stephen Schwartz, the composer of 'Pippin,' prefers the newer ending of the musical, which is now used in most licensed versions.
- The iconic 'Manson Trio' dance number performed during 'Glory' is a standout in the musical, featuring Bob Fosse's distinctive choreographic style.
- A unique adaptation of 'Pippin' at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre introduced punk-rock elements into the score, arranged by Curtis Moore.
- The 2013 Broadway revival of 'Pippin' included a cast recording featuring four karaoke tracks and engaged 700 fans in a sing-along competition.
- The original Broadway cast recording of 'Pippin', released in 1972 by Motown Records, was its first venture into musical cast recordings.
Notable Tours
- Michael Rupert and Matthew James Thomas are among the actors who have famously portrayed Pippin in different productions over the years.
Production Facts
- 'Pippin' broke new ground with its advertising strategy by being the first Broadway show to have its scenes broadcasted on a TV commercial.
- The production by Deaf West Theatre for 'Pippin' included deaf actors using American Sign Language, showcasing the parallel duality of the characters through both signing and speaking actors.
- Andrea Martin, who won a Tony for her portrayal of Berthe, briefly returned to the role during the Broadway production in September 2014.
- The Broadway revival of 'Pippin' began with previews in March 2013 at the Music Box Theatre and closed on January 4, 2015.
- The A.R.T. production of 'Pippin,' which began in December 2012, omitted the first act number 'Welcome Home' from its performance.
- John Rubinstein, who originally played Pippin in 1972, returned to the show in 2014, this time taking on the role of King Charles.
- The show's Broadway revival won four Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical and Best Leading Actress for Patina Miller.
- The production directed by Diane Paulus featured circus choreography and acrobatics by Chet Walker and Gypsy Snider, enhancing the theatrical experience.
- The 2013 Broadway revival of 'Pippin' was notable for integrating circus acts created by the Montreal-based troupe Les 7 Doigts de la Main.
- The show 'Pippin' premiered on Broadway at the Imperial Theater in 1972.
- While originally intended to be performed in one act, 'Pippin' is frequently presented in two acts in current productions, with an intermission added after 'Morning Glow'.
- The character of the Leading Player guides the audience through the show, controlling the narrative and often subverting traditional storytelling methods.
- Pippin's 'fourth wall' breaking moments are a hallmark of the show, engaging the audience directly and making them part of the story.
- Originally, Pippin was a student musical titled 'Pippin, Pippin' performed at Carnegie Mellon University, before being developed into the version known today.
- Both Ben Vereen and Patina Miller received Tony Awards for their roles as the Leading Player in Pippin, making them the first actors to win Best Leading Actor and Best Leading Actress in a Musical for the same character.
- As of January 2024, Pippin holds the distinction of being the 37th longest-running Broadway show, marking its enduring popularity.
- Motown Records was partially responsible for financing the production of Pippin, showcasing its crossover appeal.
- The characters of Pippin and his father Charlemagne are based on real historical figures from the early Middle Ages, though the musical's story is entirely fictional.
- The director of the original Broadway production, Bob Fosse, also helped shape the libretto, adding his unique, signature style to the project.
